Chicago White Sox: Season preview of infielders

Leury García

Before the offseason started, it was expected that Leury García would start in center field. As the team’s swiss army knife, García can be plugged into essentially any position. With his plus-defensive ability, he is a key piece to have moving forward.

García may end up starting at second base Opening Day due to the extension of a big name in center field. But he will be used as the bridge that links the South Side to a big name prospect drafted to start at second base.

In 2019, García had a career-high 577 at bats and it was not even close to his previous highest 300 in 2017. Knowing he was fighting for his job, he put up a respectable slash of .279/.310/.378 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs. He also nabbed 15 stolen bases.

At the end of 2020, it is expected that Garcia will be on the bench. But having a player with his skillset at their disposal could be key.

On the bench, the White Sox will have a player they can put in six places on the lineup. And with that, you will get a fast player who will hit for contact early in the count when fastballs appear more frequently. He also provides plus fielding with the arm strength to play right and agility to turn two at shortstop.

To have that type of production in a player that can play essentially everywhere on the bench is a special thing and may give the White Sox an advantage come postseason play.